Killer whales have quite a few adaptations to help them survive in the water. A killer whale is also known as an orca. An orca is perfectly adapted for its aquatic life.
Diving adaptations:
When an orca dives, it will slow down its heartbeat. By doing this, it will control the quantity of blood that is circulating throughout its body. The blood will then be pushed into the heart, the brain and the lungs instead of certain parts of its body that can tolerate a lower oxygen level. The muscles also have a lot of Myoglobin. Myoglobin will store oxygen and helps in preventing oxygen depletion within the muscles. Killer whales are able to dive up to 200 feet below the water in their natural habitat.
Their colour:
The colouration of a killer whale might enhance its ability for hunting. Both the female and male killer whale have bold black and white colouring. Most of the orca's body is glossy black, with a belly that is white and prominent white patches that are above its eyes. The black skin of the whale blends with the ocean's dark colouring, so that looking down on one from a position closer to the surface, the whale will be harder to say. In the same vein, the white of its belly blends with the skies, and will camouflage with the sun shimmering on the sea if looking up at the whale from beneath.
Blubber:
Heat is always lost up to 27 times quicker in the water than in the air. A whale has a thick pad of fat underneath its skin that is called blubber. This blubber maintains a steady body temperature. Blubber will also act as the whale's energy reserves.
Jaw and teeth muscles:
A whale has a large and powerful jaw that is lined with up to 50 spike-like teeth that are adapted for tearing and ripping prey. A whale will not chew with these teeth.
No hair:
A whale has a smooth body and has no hair. If a whale did have hair this would then create turbulence. This would prevent them from swimming as fast.
Diving adaptations:
When an orca dives, it will slow down its heartbeat. By doing this, it will control the quantity of blood that is circulating throughout its body. The blood will then be pushed into the heart, the brain and the lungs instead of certain parts of its body that can tolerate a lower oxygen level. The muscles also have a lot of Myoglobin. Myoglobin will store oxygen and helps in preventing oxygen depletion within the muscles. Killer whales are able to dive up to 200 feet below the water in their natural habitat.
Their colour:
The colouration of a killer whale might enhance its ability for hunting. Both the female and male killer whale have bold black and white colouring. Most of the orca's body is glossy black, with a belly that is white and prominent white patches that are above its eyes. The black skin of the whale blends with the ocean's dark colouring, so that looking down on one from a position closer to the surface, the whale will be harder to say. In the same vein, the white of its belly blends with the skies, and will camouflage with the sun shimmering on the sea if looking up at the whale from beneath.
Blubber:
Heat is always lost up to 27 times quicker in the water than in the air. A whale has a thick pad of fat underneath its skin that is called blubber. This blubber maintains a steady body temperature. Blubber will also act as the whale's energy reserves.
Jaw and teeth muscles:
A whale has a large and powerful jaw that is lined with up to 50 spike-like teeth that are adapted for tearing and ripping prey. A whale will not chew with these teeth.
No hair:
A whale has a smooth body and has no hair. If a whale did have hair this would then create turbulence. This would prevent them from swimming as fast.
